Pope Francis has called on Christian faithful across the world to see the Lenten season as a time to depart from the bondage of sin.
Pope Francis said this while celebrating Mass on Ash Wednesday in St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City.
He urged Christians to experience Lent as a return journey toward the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
DAILY POST reports that the Catholic Church has observed its usual Ash Wednesday, marking the commencement of 40 days of fasting which precedes Easter.
The six weeks period called Lent is a season of reflection for most Christians, especially the Catholic faithful.
Pope Francis, during the Mass, said the first step of Lent involves returning to the Father, by accepting God’s forgiveness in the Sacrament of Confession, adding that God is always inviting everyone to himself.
He also called on Christians to see the periods as an opportunity to deepen their lives in the love of brothers and sisters.The journey of Lent is an exodus from slavery to freedom”.
“It is the Father’s forgiveness that always sets us back on our feet,” he said.